1962 VOLKSWAGEN T1 SPLITSCREEN CAMPERVAN

This VW Type 2 (T1) splitscreen van is a classic commercial vehicle in outstanding restored condition, featuring some discerning cosmetic and mechanical enhancements to make it a delight to own and drive. It is powered by a 1641cc twin-port flat-four fed by Cadron carburettors, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 83,732 miles, though this cannot be warranted.

The chassis number corresponds to a November 1962 built slot, and this left-hand drive van was originally delivered overseas. It was acquired by the current owner in 2006 for promotional use by their motorcycle clothing and accessories retail business. It was officially imported to the UK and re-registered in May that year. While there are two previous keepers on the V5C, this corresponds to the vehicle being transferred between business and private registration.

When the van was acquired, it simply had a clear coat over the bare metal to showcase the quality of the total restoration by the previous owner, but the current owner decided to properly paint it in a smart Ivory hue, getting the work done via Jez Parsons of German Car Specialist (GCS) Engineering in Horsham.

Parsons was also entrusted with carrying out some modifications to ensure it could keep up with modern traffic and reliably travel all over the country. To that end, it was equipped with lowered suspension, larger wheels and lower profile tyres, and with dual-circuit servo-assisted disc brakes at the front. Deluxe Samba-style trims have also been fitted around the vehicle. Its interior was upgraded with a full refresh by renowned coachtrimmer Rob O’Rourke, including fitment of sound-deadening material and a rock-and-roll sofa bed in the back compartment.

Today, the bodywork remains in excellent condition, thanks to the restoration by the previous owner, and its panels have just been resprayed in the ivory colour. The van had been given a vinyl wrap for the promotional activity, and when this was removed some of the finish came away, so the vendor decided to give it a total refresh to make it look superb again. While it has some ‘restomod’ style features, the colour scheme gives this Type 2 a wonderful period-correct vibe. The metal body trims are in great shape, and the 15-inch steel wheels are pristine, finished with polished hubcaps. The dual twin exhaust tailpipes at the rear hint at the upgraded air-cooled flat-four.

Having only been used for around a dozen events as part of its promotional duties, the van’s interior is still in superb order. All of the O’Rourke sound-proofing remains in very good condition, as does the rock-and-roll sofa bed. In the main cabin, the front seats have recently been re-trimmed by another specialist to change their colour - and only because Rob O’Rourke’s diary was fully booked for several years. While it has been renewed, there is still a great retro ambience to the interior, with the only mod con appearing to be a Pioneer CD stereo head unit and speakers.

In preparation for selling the van, the vendor took it back to GCS Engineering in 2020, where it was checked over, serviced and tuned. It is reported to drive just as well as it did prior to its period in storage, cruising smoothly at 70mph, and with surprisingly powerful brakes and impressive handling.

The most recent MOT was on 28 November 2019 at 83,541 miles, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories or defects noted. While the van is exempt from mandatory testing on the basis of age, the vendor has nonetheless stated that for peace of mind, they will give the van a fresh 12-month MOT certificate – and will rectify any issues that are noted. There are Fulda tyres on the rear, and Toyo Proxes on the front axle, which have all covered less than 3,000 miles, so they each have plenty of tread remaining. A jack is also present.

This VW Type 2 (T1) splitscreen van is a charming classic, which benefits not only from a comprehensive restoration just prior to the vendor’s ownership, but also a number of well-judged upgrades to its appearance and running gear since arriving in the UK. Modified to be able to keep up with modern traffic with ease, this is an eminently usable ‘Splittie’ that would make a fun classic daily driver, a great vehicle for attending and exhibiting at shows, or even a smart commercial vehicle for a small business.

Please note: inspections can be carried out by appointment only at Jordan’s Car Storage in Cranleigh.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.